Kin Sol Soleil

Kin Sol Soleil is the type of place people don't want to write website reviews for because they don't want other travelers finding out about their secret spot. And it's true, this hotel is a hidden gem of sorts, almost literally. Even when you have a vague idea of where you are going, it's easy to get lost on the slim gravel roads that wind deeper and deeper into the jungle. The hotel usually prefers to greet guests at the gate and usher them inside. The rain forest grounds make it tough to realize exactly how small the property is. Essentially, Kin Sol Soleil is one central main building that holds the restaurant, Pavo Real by the Sea, and a handful of duplexes that are solely guest villas. The hotel was started by a small group of friends in the mid-70s, before much of this part of Mexico was a booming tourist industry. The path to the hotel was hand-hacked with a machete by the original local landowner. The first villa had humble beginnings as a small cottage with a thatched roof, and was lit by sunshine and candlelight. The owners later (but begrudgingly) added electricity and running water. Eventually and slowly, more villas were built as guest houses for visiting friends and family. In 1995, the boutique opened to the public with four villas. Today, Kin Sol Soleil has nine villas, each designed with stucco walls, tile floors, and oceanfront views that attract families and couples from across the globe. 

Kin Sol Soleil is located on the gorgeous beach of Playa Maroma. The hotel itself is wedged between two other properties, both a part of the sprawling Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa complex. The rocky path is difficult to traverse without guidance, and feels secluded. There's not much outside of two resort buildings in the proximity, and a Burger Stop restaurant at the Hotel Amarte entrance. The hotel is located a 35-minute drive to Playa del Carmen and Cancun International Airport, in opposite directions. It's an hour-and 20-minute drive south to Tulum. 

There are only nine villas at Kin Sol Soleil but they’re all individually designed with intent. For example, in order to allow energy to flow freely, the interiors have no hard corners. White stucco walls and wood shutters look chicly rustic, while big, comfy beds with gauzy mosquito nets and the Talavera-tiled plunge pool baths give rooms a luxe feel. Bathrooms come stocked with a basket of toiletries; there’s name brand toothbrushes, hydrogen peroxide, an exfoliating loofah, Blvgari bath products, eco-friendly mosquito spray, and aloe vera gel.Family Villas are the largest units with two bedrooms with their own full bathrooms, a spacious living room, dining room, kitchen area, and bar. Huge windows wrap around the living room with views to the ocean. The ground floor Family Villa has a large private pool, while the second floor villas sports private rooftop areas with a plunge pool, four sun beds, Adirondack chairs, and a shaded seating area. Romantic Villas are like Family Villas but without the kitchenette area and second bathrooms. Junior Suites echo the Romantic Villas, sans the private pool or rooftop. All villas are beachfront and have their own internet network, except the Jungle Villas. These units are located off the main property, closer to the entrance. Jungle Villas feature two bedrooms, full kitchens, and no internet (though a weak-signal access can be provided on request). All unites have basic comforts like air-conditioning, mini-fridges (or full-sized fridges), and coffeemakers. Extra free perks include two small bottles of local wine, daily refills on the soft drinks, beer, and bottled water in the fridge, a bulging fruit basket on arrival, and nightly sweet treats -- though turndown service isn't provided .  

Kin Sol Soleil's beach, Playa Maroma, has topped best beach lists and is the hotel's top feature. All beaches in Mexico are public, but the hotel’s secluded location means there aren’t too many, if any, other people sharing the shore. However, this is Riviera Maya and seaweed can rear its stringy head at any time. Guests will find soft white sand on the beach and shades of turquoise water. The wooden sun beds are almost as wide as single mattresses and are topped with bright blue canvas covers featuring built-in pillows. There are also blue Adirondack chairs, palapa-style umbrellas, and food and drink service. During high season, the sun beds can be assigned, but it’s hardly a problem as there are as many beds as occupants. 

Features here are beautifully thought out and focus on the beach and food. Located up a level from the beach is the hotel’s restaurant, Pavo Real by the Sea. Seating can be indoors, on the lawn, on the beach, or on the terrace by the pool. The restaurant is open to the public, and serves gourmet-inspired dishes like seafood risotto and crusted lamp chops with honey, but the kitchen is small and can get overwhelmed on busy nights. Breakfast is free for guests and includes a wide variety of items. The bar area has a full selection of top-shelf liquors, craft brews, and local and international wines. The hotel’s circular pool is small and beautiful, but it's usually overlooked for the beach. Other features include a small terrace above the restaurant, an open-air massage area located on a small tower terrace, and free limited parking. There's a small workout room with a few cardio and weight machines. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Guests also have the option of arranging a visit to Kin Sol Soleil’s sister property, the three-pearl Amarte Hotel to use their spa or pool, or to eat at their diner-style restaurant.